Small Hydro Power

Making hydropower an investment that pays off

New small hydropower plants

Modernization of existing plants

References

Comprehensive solutions for new small hydropower plants

From water to wire

In order to realize the full potential of small hydropower plants, the whole value chain from water to wire has to work efficiently. This requires a high degree of coordination. Siemens is the only integrated energy company that serves the entire energy conversion chain with products, solutions, and services. We are globally renowned for our technical expertise and have long term experience in providing turnkey solutions from scratch. As solution provider, we always present one face to our customer for the entire project. After completion, Siemens offers an extensive local support network in order to ensure the high availability of maintenance and other services. By doing so, we offer a highest degree of operational safety and efficiency.

Tailor-made solutions for specific requirements

Projects never look exactly the same. Local conditions or budget limitations are determining factors for small hydropower projects. Siemens offers cost-efficient solutions of different scope according to customer-specific requirements and capabilities. In the development process, we customize our solutions regarding design and equipment to reach the best solution for each client.

Independent turbine supplier

Turbines are very crucial components for small hydropower plants, as they finally turn water into energy. As an independent turbine supplier Siemens can choose between various leading turbine manufacturers, in order to get the best solution for each individual power plant. Due to our high degree of independence we have the capability to integrate turbines from different producers in one plant, if necessary. In doing so, Siemens always focuses on the goal to maximize efficiency, which transfers into high profitability for our clients.

A convincing scope of supply

Turbines from leading manufacturers

Generators, transformers

Turbine control

Medium-voltage switchgear

Excitation devices, voltage and efficiency factor regulators

Machine automation

Monitoring and control of the entire hydraulic system (dam, reservoir operation, weir system, residual water release)

Safety devices

Alarm signals and telephone alerts

Remote control devices

Remote data transfer

Integrated power plant control systems

Lighting, power installations, earthing and lightning protection

Energy feed-in to the regional network

Linking multiple plants

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Upgrading existing plants with state-of-the-art technology

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Best solution for each specific initial situation

Many small hydropower plants erected in the early 20th century have either been shut down or are operating inefficiently due to high levels of manpower and outdated technology. Siemens can offer tailor-made solutions with minimal budget requirements by combining existing equipment with the latest, most efficient components.We can draw on decades of experience in modernizing small hydropower plants. Furthermore, Siemens services heterogeneous fleets that operate equipment from multiple manufacturers. After completion of the modernization process, we remain a reliable partner for revision, maintenance and other services.

Scope of supply

Each modernization is different and depends on already existing equipment. Siemens offers a wide range of services from consulting and developing reconstruction concepts up to the complete refurbishment of small hydropower plants. The scope of supply includes hardware such as generators, transformers, and medium-voltage switchgear as well as a comprehensive range of supporting systems – from turbine control and machine automation to monitoring and control of the entire hydraulic system.Due to our integrated products and solutions we can reduce the maintenance costs to a minimum. Furthermore, plant security is enhanced by Siemens’ integrated power plant control systems, safety devices, alarm signals, and telephone alerts in order to achieve the highest degree of operational safety. The energy produced is fed seamlessly into the regional distribution network with the help of remote control devices and data transfer. In addition, multiple plants can be linked together in order to realize its full potential.